Art Star

I've had one of those weeks where I was extra extra extra proud of my kiddos. Ruby participated in a summer art program last July and they held back a piece by each of the kids. They went through all the pieces, chose about 50 and curated an art show at a little gallery downtown. We went to the opening last week and Ruby decked herself out in a pretty dress and a tiara and was just so lovely and pleased with herself. The organizers asked if she'd come back this week to be interviewed by a local TV channel about her piece. Ruby is a very animated girl but clams up around strangers, so I was reluctant, but she wanted to do it and she did a great job. Proud, I tell ya.

So, here is the painting. It's a cowgirl. I'd forgotten that she'd signed her name backwards -- it was something she did for about three weeks last year and could never explain why she did it. Her drawing has changed so much in the last year and it was amazing to see this little nugget captured from when she was a mere four and a half.

Whoopie Doopie Doo

I made whoopie pies! I was underwhelmed! I shall try again!

(more info at the other blog.)

To the Moms

This is a picture of the shadow that came through my bedroom window yesterday morning. I captured it as best as I could. I feel so lucky to live in a neighbourhood with decent mature trees.

So, Mothers' Day, right? This one is a good one and a tough one for me. The reason I've been less present in this space in the last six months or so is that I have little to blog about (not making much) and can barely find the words when I do have something to say. I'm hoping that this crazy period is the pinnacle of my kids' craziness -- my two-year-old is a complete wild man and my five-year-old is a curious question-asker that insists on bossing her brother around at all times. This makes for a lot of talking in our house. And screaming. And whining. I love these children more than anything and I know I will miss this special time once they're through being little. But man, I can hardly wait until I get to a time when I can hear myself think for more than two minutes throughout the day. Although, by the time that happens, I'll probably be heartbroken that they're not babies anymore.

I'm savoring this mother's day as best as I can. I love being a mother. But I'm also looking forward to a future date when I have the headspace to be a functioning person again.

xoxo

Eh, Spring?

I wanted to make a banner for spring (a la Alicia), but I was starting to think that I'd dragged my heels for too long and the spring boat was passing me by. But, as I look out my window at a major blizzard (on May 4), I'm reminded that this has been a wacky year for weather everywhere. I originally planned to have this up by St. Patrick's Day (hence a lot of green), but with spring not quite here yet, I'm certainly not too late.

Anyway, I'm feeling good that I finished something. I had a major breakdown this week over Ruby's kindergarten enrollment next year. Basically, I was feeling less than great about our local elementary school and could envision her life being steered in the wrong direction (I realize this was kind of crazy). My instincts that the school is less than ideal for our family were confirmed after I spoke to the principal (note: it's still a decent school, just not right for us), so we've decided to sacrifice locale for an amazing school that suits our family's style and beliefs. I am so excited, but the excitement only comes after a load of stress and some sleepless nights. I have a feeling that our family's life is never going to be boring. Which I kind of appreciate, but sometimes a little boring would be nice if it means I get a little bit of extra sleep. Phew.